|
JGANC |
Lauren, you've been a member for four years and have played lots
of events, what is the best part about being in the JGANC? |
|
Lauren |
It's been a great opportunity to meet a lot of people who
have the same goals and aspirations. It's a lot of fun making
new friends and sharing the same love of the game of golf. |
|
JGANC |
You know, I often ask this question in an interview and usually
I get the same answer, meeting new friends. So Lauren, let's
say we have a brand new nine year old girl who just joined, what
advice would you give her? |
|
Laure |
I'd tell her get to know the other girls you're playing with
and have fun. There's plenty of time to get serious about it
later. And don't be afraid to ask for advice, especially on practice
techniques. |
|
JGANC |
That's great advice. Speaking of practice, how often do you practice
and do you have a special routine? |
|
Lauren |
I attend DLGA in Bradenton, Florida (that's David Leadbetter's
Golf Academy) so I get to practice everyday. Chipping, putting
and long shots at the range every other day and 9-holes at the
course every other day. Then there are 18-holes on Saturdays
or Sundays. Practice is about 3-4 hours on the range. |
|
JGANC |
Wow, that is what you called "serious," I suspect.
Sounds like you are following in the footsteps of Paula Creamer;
both from Pleasanton and both attend the academy. When did golf
all start? |
|
Lauren |
I've been playing 5 years now. My grandpa loved golf and was
the one who taught me my first swing. He's since passed away
and now I feel like I'm playing for him. I want to make him and
my family proud. |
|
JGANC |
Everyone is proud of you. I hoped to see you make a team this
year, but if you are not playing JGANC events, then that is out
of the question. I guess I'll have to be satisfied just saying
we knew her when. So what are your plans? |
|
Lauren |
My plan is to play college golf for a good Division I university.
But more importantly, they must have a strong academic reputation. |
|
JGANC |
That's very important, Lauren. I'm glad you are preparing for
a back-up plan. One never knows these days and education should
be #1. Say Lauren, what besides golf could we find you doing? |
|
Lauren |
You could find me playing the piano. I love watching
football, reading books and going to church. Oh yes, chilling
with my friends and family. |
|
JGANC |
I forgot to ask you what JGANC tournament is your favoirite? |
|
Lauren |
Castlewood! |
|
JGANC |
Now that was a silly question of me.....of course it's Castlewood.
I bet they are proud of you too. Thanks Lauren, it was great
talking to you. |
|
JGANC |
Andrej, the JGANC looks at you as being an up and coming junior
star. Only being a 5th grader, you are well on your way. What
are your goals for your JGANC year? |
|
Andrej |
Well, my main goal for this year is to play my game with good
sportsmanship and to play to the best of my abilities through
the year. |
|
JGANC |
You sound much older and wiser than most 11 year olds. Good for
you. The sportsmanship is absolutely the most important. The
great scores will come in time, but you always want to be the
sportsman. You are very active in the JGANC, what's the best
thing about it? |
|
Andrej |
My favorite thing about being a JGANCer is playing at all
these different golf courses. I enjoy playing the game, and all
the fun I have during and after the round as well. |
|
JGANC |
I've watched your group on the putting green after a round. You
guys look like you are having lots of fun together. When did
golf all start for you? |
|
Andrej |
When I was six my dad and I hit golf balls at Yountville Golf
Course, but wasn't until I was eight that I really started competing.
I really liked golf and decided that it would be my sport. |
|
JGANC |
Yountville....that brings back memories. I lived there for two
years while my son was involved in planning and building the
course. He was the first Director of Golf there before it was
sold. I've been on the course many times. Maybe you were there
practicing at the time. Small world. Now that you are competing,
do you practice often or have a practice routine? |
|
Andrej |
Well, my routine changes as I work on different parts of the
game, but mostly I like to spend 3-5 hours a day practicing or
hitting, chipping and putting. My dad and I play as much as we
can, especially on weekends. |
|
JGANC |
Well, that's one advantage of being home-schooled. Who is your
favorite PGA star? |
|
Andrej |
My favorite PGA star is Phil Mickelson because of his amazing
touch with his short game and that he always has a smile. He
is a great sportsman. I also like his swing a lot. |
|
JGANC |
You are a man after my own heart. Phil Mickelson is my absolute
favorite too Before we close, Andrej, tell me about some other
activities you enjoy doing. |
|
Andrej |
I enjoy fishing, swimming, bowling and I like to ice skate
and rollerblade whenever I can. My family and I also like to
bike together. |
|
JGANC |
Well you certainly are a well-rounded young man. Keep up your
hard work. I'm planning on you being the next Phil Mickelson!
Thanks Andrej. |
|
JGANC |
Megan, 2006 should be a very big year for you. What are
you working for this year? |
|
Megan |
I just turned 15 and have moved up to the next age bracket.
I am practicing and preparing as best I can to play well this
year. Hopefully, I can play well enough to win a couple of tournaments. |
|
JGANC |
You are now in the age bracket where you will be considered for
JGANC teams. Often times it takes a year competing in this older
age bracket, but it is such good experience and you improve tournament
after tournament. How long have you been playing golf? |
|
Megan |
I have been playing golf since I was about 7 1/2 years
old. I started at a summer camp with Duffy Allison in Selma. |
|
JGANC |
What a wonderful man he is. He is so pro-junior. We certainly
miss having his fine tournament on our calendar. Do you play
on a high school golf team? |
|
Megan |
Yes, this was my first year playing golf on the high
school team. It was a lot of fun! As an individual, I placed
first at league, second at area, third at valley and was the
Most Valuable Player. As a team, we also won league and the small
schools valley championship. It was very exciting. |
|
JGANC |
I'm so glad I asked. Congratulations, Megan. What an outstanding
first year record. Goodness, the sky's the limit for you, it
seems to me. With all these accomplishments, I assume you practive
a lot. |
|
Megan |
I play high school basketball and now that the season
is over, I have a lot more time after school to practice golf.
I practice about 4-5 times a week. I do not have a special routine.
I normally start on the range, then chip, and finish with putting. |
|
JGANC |
Who is your favorite LPGA star? |
|
Megan |
My favorite LPGA star is Juli Inkster. The first time
I ever went to a LPGA event I watched her play. I was fortunate
enough to be able to hit balls on the same driving range at the
same time that she was practicing. I also got her autograph!
I admire her balance (she is married and has children) and I
like the fact that she can still win, even amongst the "younger
generation" of players. |
|
JGANC |
Juli is awesome and she is also a former JGANCer. She played
her junior years out of Pasatiempo GC in Santa Cruz. I think
she is a great model for young girls. She proves you can have
a family and a golf career too. Of course, her family is very
supportive and enjoy going to the tournaments to watch her.
Speaking of tournaments, which JGANC tournament is your favorite? |
|
Megan |
My favorite one is the JGANC/NCPGA Championships. |
|
JGANC |
That event is a true test of golf. The course is difficult
and the heat usually gets to me. Glad I'm not playing, but what
an honor to be able to say you played well in this huge event.
We've talked mostly about golf. What about other things you enjoy?
Want to share a few? |
|
Megan |
I play basketball and enjoy volleyball, running, doing crafts
and reading. I like going to school and I spend a lot of time
studying. I enjoy math and science. Oh, and I always have time
for my friends! |
|
JGANC |
Well, Megan, it sounds like you are the total package.
No doubt some college coaches out there are taking notes. I'm
looking forward to watching you play this year. Continued good
luck to you. |
